In this edition:
Haj-Ahmad Foundation recognized at Canada Games Park
Business productivity dropped in 2021
Grimsby issues weed notice for agriculture
Canada bans luxury goods exports to Russia
Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation recognized at Canada Games Park
Niagara Region and partners are thrilled to announce The Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation as the newest naming sponsor at Canada Games Park. Headquartered in Thorold, The Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation is known for its generous contributions to the Niagara community contributing to the health and well-being of Niagara locals and visitors.
This latest announcement includes two key naming sponsorships for The Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation including the 200m suspended indoor track, which will now be known as the Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation Track. This track overlooks the multipurpose fieldhouse and is filled with a tremendous amount of natural light. The entire space will attract, inspire and motivate walkers and runners of all ages and abilities.
Business productivity dropped in 2021
In 2021, business productivity decreased in eight provinces as well as in the Northwest Territories. Productivity increased in New Brunswick (+0.7%) and Prince Edward Island (+0.5%); however, this represents a marked slowdown from 2020 for both provinces. In the Yukon and Nunavut, productivity growth continued in 2021, but at a much slower pace than the previous year. Nationally, business productivity fell by 5.8%, following a record 7.8% increase in 2020.
For most provinces, the strong declines in labour productivity in 2021 were in sharp contrast to 2020, when productivity rose significantly.
Click here for times and dates.
Grimsby issues weed notice to agriculture and horticulture operations
Unless noxious weeds and weed seeds and diseased orchard fruit trees thereon are destroyed by June 1, 2022 and throughout the season, the Town of Grimsby may have such weeds and weed seeds destroyed, and the costs thereof will be charged against the land and collected in the same manner as taxes.
The costs incurred by the Town to control weeds on private property, as defined in the Act, is charged back at the rate of $95 per hour.
The Weed Act primarily applies to agricultural and horticultural lands that generate income or other benefits to agriculture. This excludes lawns, gardens, and private areas for personal enjoyment and leisure.
Canada bans luxury goods exports to Russia
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing egregious and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.
Today’s announcement includes a ban on the export of targeted luxury goods to Russia, as well as a ban on the import of targeted luxury goods from Russia. As of today, the Government of Canada is banning the export of targeted luxury goods to Russia, including alcoholic beverages, tobacco, some textile products and sportswear, footwear, luxury clothing and accessories, jewelry, kitchenware, and art.
Reading Recommendations
Where is talk of interprovincial trade and labour mobility this election?
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Some of the issues we have been talking about this election, such as labour, supply chains, and affordability, could be alleviated if we removed barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility. The lack of consistent or harmonized regulation across provinces and territories not only harms productivity but costs Canadians money.
Economic activity is hampered by inconsistent rules around transportation, the environment, securities, professional certification, marketing, and more. According to a recent study by Deloitte, removing interprovincial trade barriers would increase Ontario’s GDP by $23 billion and annual provincial tax revenues by $5 billion. As our economy recovers from the pandemic, it is more important than ever to ensure local businesses can make the most of the domestic market.
‘Hurts like hell’: What goes into the price of gas in Canada
CTV News
Amid high hopes of a return to normal with the end of COVID-19 restrictions, this year may be defined by another concerning trend: the rising price of gasoline.
Exceeding an average of $2 per litre across the country for the first time this month, the cost of gas has set a new all-time high in Canada, with the added toll coming at a time of record inflation and the start of what is often considered the summer driving season.
But what exactly is causing the increase and what are Canadians really paying for at the pump?
The Election Section
Advance polls open
Advance polls are open for all four Niagara area ridings until May 22.
Click here to find voting locations.
Niagara poll tracker
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Provincial poll tracker
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The 338Canada project is a statistical model of electoral projections based on opinion polls, electoral history, and demographic data.
GNCC election platform
The GNCC asks that the next Government of Ontario create an economic environment for success by improving access to public sector procurement opportunities for small businesses by addressing financial and informational barriers. Government procurement tends to favour larger firms by nature, including out-of-province businesses. Governments must see procurement not only as a cost but as an opportunity for economic stimulus, and must ensure that small businesses have a fair opportunity to compete for public contracts.
Click here to read the full platform.
Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.
